Jhumka earrings are traditional statement earrings from Southern India with a long history. Ancient temple statues from the Chola Dynasty (3rd to 4th BCE) show this style. The distinctive feature is the bell shape dangle - the word jhumka means bell or bowl. First worn by temple dancers long ago, the jhumka earrings' dangling beads adds to the jingle created with every head movement.
During the time of the Mughals (16th-19th century), statement studs called kanphool (ear flower) or karnaphool were added. Today, these earrings are still popular especially at festivals and weddings.
Watch this video by WeMakeJewellery where the Nepali metalsmith makes fine silver jhumka earrings. Notice the fine silver does not oxidize with each soldering step - and there are many - unlike sterling silver which contains copper.
Metal snips are used instead of a jewelry saw probably because it is much faster! He also demonstrates how little silver balls are made. The simple adjustable tool for cutting consistent lengths of wire is so neat. I want one!
The bell shape means the earrings are lighter than had it been solid.
Jhumka earrings come in all sorts of designs and colors. Shown here are delicate filigree handmade jhumka earrings from IndianJewelTrends.
This pair of jhumka earrings from KaashCustoms in brass has a fun, uneven fringe.
This beautiful brass pair from BombayPastels has pearl dangles! They are wonderful chandelier earrings, aren't they?
Gorgeous Bharatanatyam Dance Performance
Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical Indian dance form. It originated in Tamil Nadu, a state in Southern India. It can be traced back to the 3rd -4th BCE.
Watch this gorgeous Bharatanatyam dance performance - such grace, expressive gestures and statue-like poses. The dancers here are female but men also perform this dance. Notice the jhumka earrings and anklet bells?
Yoga practitioners might well recognize some of the poses. This dance form contains at least 20 asanas (body postures) like the Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose) which is featured in this particular choreography.
Lord of the Dance Asana (Picture source) |
References
- Tracing the Evolution of the Jhumka
- Indian Culture : From Sadir Attam to Bharatanatyam
- Wikipedia : Bharatanatyam
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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